Microsoft denies dual-boot XO

 

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 11 Jan 2008 at 08:01

Microsoft has denied that it is working with the One Laptop Per Child Foundation on a dual-boot XO that would run XP and Linux, despite claims from the OLPC chairman to the contrary.

"We are working with them very closely to make a dual-boot system so that, like on an Apple, you can boot either one up," said Nicholas Negroponte, chairman of OLPC, yesterday.

However, Microsoft has denied these claims. Although the company has confirmed that it's working on a version of XP for the low cost laptop, it says it has no plans to work on a dual-boot system.

"While we have investigated the possibility in the past, Microsoft is not developing dual-boot Windows XP support for the One Laptop Per Child's XO laptop. Our current goal remains to provide a high-quality Windows experience on the XO device," says Microsoft in a written statement.

The company claims that it will be running limited trials this month of Windows XP on the XO laptop, indicating that work on the operating system is progressing well.

This week has been an eventful one for the OLPC Foundation, after the former OLCP chief technology officer, Mary Lou Jensen, announced yesterday that she was to create a sub-$100 laptop.

PC Pro has been reporting direct from CES 2008 in Las Vegas this week. You can find the latest coverage at our CES homepage.